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If you’re looking for a Christmas cocktail that’s festive without being overly sweet, let me introduce you to my newest holiday favorite: The Yule Mule.
It’s everything I love about a classic Moscow Mule—icy cold, crisp, and bubbly—but dressed up for the holidays with tart cranberry juice, fresh lime, spicy ginger beer, and fragrant rosemary. Served in a frosty copper mug and garnished with sugared cranberries, it’s one of those cocktails that looks just as beautiful as it tastes.
Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner, a cookie exchange, or New Year’s Eve, this Cranberry Moscow Mule recipe is guaranteed to disappear fast.
** We also have a non-alcoholic version. Jump to the Yule Mule Mocktail recipe.
Why Everyone Will Be Asking for This Cranberry Moscow Mule Recipe
Some holiday cocktails can be heavy and rich. This one is the opposite.
It’s bright, refreshing, and perfectly balanced, making it an ideal cocktail before dinner or alongside a holiday charcuterie board.
Here’s why I keep making it every Christmas:
- Ready in less than 5 minutes
- Beautiful holiday presentation
- Perfect balance of tart, spicy, and citrusy flavors
- Easy to make one drink or a whole pitcher
- Naturally festive colors
- Gorgeous garnishes that impress guests
The Yule Mule Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce unsweetened cranberry juice
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice
- 4 ounces ginger beer (see our recommendations for the best ginger beer below!)
- Ice
Garnishes
- Fresh rosemary sprig
- Sugared cranberries
- Lime wheel
- Frozen cranberries (optional)
- Cinnamon stick (optional)
Serve in a chilled copper Moscow Mule mug.
Great Value
Moscow Mule Mugs Hammered Copper
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$18.99
If you need to stock up on mugs for a party, this is a great route to go. Includes 4 mugs.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/24/2026 01:56 am GMT
How to Make a Cranberry Moscow Mule
STEP 1: Fill a chilled copper mug with ice.
STEP 2: Add the vodka, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice.
STEP 3: Top with chilled ginger beer.
STEP 4: Gently stir until combined.
STEP 5: Garnish with a rosemary sprig, a few sugared cranberries, and a lime wheel.
Serve immediately.
Picture This…
A frosty hammered copper mug beaded with condensation sits on a rustic wooden table beside a few evergreen sprigs. The drink glows ruby red beneath sparkling ice, while sugared cranberries and fresh rosemary peek out from the top. Warm Christmas lights blur softly in the background, making the entire cocktail feel like the perfect holiday celebration.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Moscow Mule
Use Real Ginger Beer
Ginger beer provides the signature spicy kick that makes a Moscow Mule so refreshing. Here are a few of our personal favorites…
| Brand | Flavor Profile | Why It Works for Cranberry Mules |
|---|---|---|
| Fever-Tree | Crisp, subtle, authentic ginger heat | Low sweetness lets tart cranberry and lime shine |
| Q Mixers | Extra fizzy, bright, fiery spice kick | High carbonation cuts through dense fruit juice |
| Cock ‘n Bull | Rich, bold, classic medium bite | Original mule standard; balanced holiday crowd-pleaser |
| Reed’s Extra | Spicy, warm, notes of honey & fruit | Warm spice notes pair naturally with winter flavors |
Fresh Lime Is Worth It
Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens the cranberry flavor and keeps the cocktail from tasting overly sweet.
Chill Everything
Cold ingredients mean less melting ice and a more flavorful cocktail.
Don’t Skip the Copper Mug
A copper mug isn’t just traditional—it keeps your drink icy cold much longer than glass.
Fun Holiday Garnish Ideas
One of my favorite parts of making Christmas cocktails is adding festive garnishes.
Try decorating your Yule Mule with:
- Sugared cranberries
- Rosemary sprigs
- Dehydrated orange slices
- Lime wheels
- Cinnamon sticks
- Star anise
- Fresh cranberries
- Edible gold glitter
- Rosemary “Christmas tree” garnish
- Frozen cranberries instead of ice cubes
Make It a Holiday Moscow Mule Bar
Hosting a Christmas party? Set up a DIY Moscow Mule station with:
- Copper mugs
- Vodka
- Ginger beer
- Cranberry juice
- Lime wedges
- Fresh rosemary
- Sugared cranberries
- Orange slices
- Cinnamon sticks
Guests can customize their own holiday cocktails, and it makes a beautiful drink station.
This is the base bar set I started with (that I love!!). I also picked up a dozen more mugs at Homegoods, so keep your eye out for sales as the holiday season approaches.
COPPER BAR Moscow Mule Copper Mugs
Check Price on Amazon
$45.97
Unique HANDCRAFTED Set of 4, 100% Pure Solid Copper Cups and also includes bar accessories and a special opener.
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09/24/2026 01:56 am GMT
How to Make a Non-Alcoholic Yule Mule
Want a mocktail mule version? Simply replace the vodka with additional ginger beer or sparkling water.
Mix together:
- 2 ounces cranberry juice
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice
- 5 ounces ginger beer (or half ginger beer, half sparkling water)
Garnish exactly the same way with rosemary, cranberries, and lime.
It’s just as festive and perfect for guests who prefer not to drink alcohol.
Make It Even More Christmasy
Want to give your Yule Mule an extra holiday twist?
Try adding one of these:
- Splash of orange juice
- Cinnamon simple syrup
- Rosemary simple syrup
- Splash of pomegranate juice
- Dash of orange bitters
- Cranberry ice cubes
Each variation adds another layer of holiday flavor without overpowering the classic Moscow Mule taste.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs wonderfully with:
- Holiday charcuterie boards
- Baked brie
- Roasted turkey
- Prime rib
- Stuffing
- Cranberry appetizers
- Christmas cookies
- Gingerbread
- White cheddar
- Smoked meats
Make Ahead Tips
You can mix the vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice several hours ahead of time.
Store the mixture in the refrigerator.
When ready to serve, pour over ice and top with fresh ginger beer to keep the bubbles lively.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Cocktail)
- Calories: 185
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fat: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 12mg
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the brands of ginger beer and cranberry juice used.
Moscow Mule: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cranberry Moscow Mule?
A Cranberry Moscow Mule is a festive variation of the classic Moscow Mule made with vodka, ginger beer, fresh lime juice, and cranberry juice. It’s especially popular during the Christmas season thanks to its vibrant red color and festive garnishes.
Can I make these for a crowd?
Absolutely! Simply multiply the ingredients and mix everything except the ginger beer ahead of time. Add the ginger beer just before serving to keep it bubbly.
What’s the best ginger beer for a Moscow Mule?
Choose a spicy, high-quality ginger beer rather than ginger ale. The bold ginger flavor gives the cocktail its signature kick.
Do I have to use a copper mug?
No, but it’s highly recommended. Copper mugs keep the cocktail colder longer and are part of the classic Moscow Mule experience.
Can I make this without cranberry juice?
Yes! Simply omit the cranberry juice for a traditional Moscow Mule, or substitute pomegranate juice for a different holiday twist.
More Christmas Cocktails + Mocktails You’ll Love
If you’re building the ultimate holiday drink menu, be sure to check out these festive favorites:
- Jack Frost Mocktail – the prettiest blue holiday drink
- Christmas Cranberry Sparkler
- Sugarplum Fairy Fizz
- Mistletoe Margarita
- Crockpot Mulled Wine
- Elf Fuel Shimmer Punch
- Eggnog Martini
They’re perfect for everything from casual family gatherings to elegant Christmas parties, and they pair beautifully with this festive Yule Mule.
Please note: This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
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